DeSantis’ Teddy Roosevelt-like conservationist approach in DeFlorida Blueprint.

DeFlorida Blueprint: Examining Ron DeSantis’ Record on Environmental Issues

Introduction

As the Florida legislature wraps up its 2023 session, Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to declare his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, putting him on a collision course with former President Donald Trump. In this five-part series, we examine DeSantis’ legislative and policy record. In this installment, we will look at his record on environmental issues.

DeSantis’ Environmental Record

Ron DeSantis has styled himself as a “Teddy Roosevelt conservationist” on the environment, a contrast with his presentation as a culture warrior and anti-woke conservative. As governor of Florida, he has championed Everglades restoration and poured billions into environmental projects, earning him the support of some environmentalists, even as he faces harsh criticism from major green groups for his overall record.

Unorthodox Steps

DeSantis has taken other unorthodox steps for a Republican governor of a red state, such as directing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to oppose fracking and offshore drilling in 2019 and appointing a task force to study water pollution. Those efforts may soften his image for moderate voters.

Environmentalists’ Criticism

While DeSantis has won praise from conservationists for publicly committing to addressing sea level rise, stopping beach erosion, and protecting Florida water supplies, multiple environmental group leaders view these efforts as inadequate. When it comes to climate change, DeSantis “is an ostrich putting its head in the sand,” said Aliki Moncrief, the executive director of the Florida Conservation Voters.

Everglades Restoration

On his second day as governor in 2019, DeSantis signed an executive order calling for major water policy reforms in Florida, describing the protection of water resources as “one of the most pressing issues” facing the state. That order created an Office of Environmental Accountability and Transparency and appointed a new chief science officer tasked with coordinating scientific data and research and monitoring to ensure alignment with “current and emerging environmental concerns.”

It also called for $2.5 billion to be spent over the next four years for Everglades restoration and protection of water resources — a $1 billion increase in spending from the last four-year period and the highest-ever level of funding allocated for water restoration in Florida’s history.

State and Local Criticism

During his first campaign for governor in 2018, DeSantis vowed to oppose offshore drilling and pass a statewide fracking ban, which his campaign website described as a “Day One” priority. Two days after taking office, DeSantis issued an executive order directing the Department of Environmental Protection to oppose offshore drilling and hydraulic fracking.

But little progress has been made since their creation. To date, DeSantis has taken just four of the 31 steps recommended by his own Blue-Green Algae Task Force, despite the fact that he has had more than four years to do so.

Resilient Florida Fund

Earlier this year, DeSantis awarded more than $275 million to bolster infrastructure in coastal and inland Florida to help protect against flooding and storm surge. The funds are part of the state’s Resilient Florida Program, a $1.1 billion program funded by both the federal and state government.

Congressional Record

While representing Florida’s 6th Congressional District in Washington, DeSantis supported cuts to the EPA and voted against bills endorsed by green groups. He earned a 2% rating, out of 100%, from the League of Conservation Voters.

Conclusion

DeSantis’ environmental record is a mixed bag, with some conservationists praising his efforts while others criticize him for not doing enough to combat climate change. As he prepares to run for president, his record on environmental issues will likely be a major point of contention.